Have questions about applying for a CNIB Scholarship or Bursary? We’re here to answer them! Browse our FAQ.
Eligibility
Are you eligible for a CNIB Scholarship?
If you're ready to take the next step in your education, we encourage you to apply! To be eligible, you must:
- Be blind, Deafblind, or have low vision (best corrected visual acuity of 20/70 or worse and/or a visual field of 20 degrees or narrower).
- Be pursuing a post-secondary diploma, degree, skilled trades certificate, apprenticeship, continuing education program, or equivalent.
- Be a Canadian citizen or have held landed immigrant status for at least one year before applying.
- Be motivated, independent, and able to demonstrate a strong level of personal achievement.
If this sounds like you, don’t miss out—apply today!
Applications
How do I get a CNIB scholarship?
Visit www.cnib.ca/scholarships and review all available scholarships. If you are eligible for any scholarship listed, complete an application. Applicants are automatically considered for all eligible scholarships (unless stated otherwise). Successful recipients are chosen by CNIB's scholarship selection committee.
Applying for a CNIB scholarship is your chance to showcase your resilience, determination, and goals. Tell us how this scholarship will support your education and future aspirations – whether by easing the financial burden of tuition, textbooks, assistive technology, or housing. A strong application highlights your ambition and demonstrates the impact this support will have on your academic and professional journey.
Please note: The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary and the CNIB National Youth Council Leadership Award have additional application requirements.
What are the application deadlines?
The application opens on March 24, 2025, and closes on June 28, 2025.
Will submitting my scholarship application ahead of the deadline help me?
At CNIB, we want to ensure that every applicant has enough time to prepare a thoughtful and strong application. Our scholarship selection committee reviews all applications after the submission deadline, so submitting early does not provide an advantage. We encourage you to take the time you need to present your best work. To ensure your application is considered, please remember to submit it by the deadline. Late applications are not accepted, so be sure to plan ahead and submit on time!
What is the difference between 'first' and 'second' entry?
- First entry: This category is for individuals who are graduating from high school and entering their first post-secondary program. This includes those who may have taken some time off after high school before starting their post-secondary education.
- Second entry: This category is for current post-secondary students who are already enrolled in a program or have completed some post-secondary education. If you are not entering post-secondary directly from high school, we encourage you to submit a second entry application.
Who should I ask for a reference letter?
A reference letter is an important part of your application, and we encourage you to choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths. You’ll need to include one reference letter, which can be either:
- Academic reference: This can come from a teacher, counselor, or academic advisor who can speak to your academic abilities and potential.
- Community-based reference: This can come from anyone in your community who knows your work ethic, ambition, and leadership, such as a volunteer coordinator or employer.
Please note that references cannot come from family or friends. All reference letters should be on official letterhead, in professional format, and provided in an accessible format.
How do I write an academic resume?
- Contact information: Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn or professional website (if applicable).
- Objective or summary: A brief statement of your career goals or academic interests.
- Education: List your degrees, institutions, graduation dates, and any academic honours or distinctions.
- Relevant skills: Highlight specific academic, technical, or research skills.
- Awards and honours: List any scholarships, grants, fellowships, or academic achievements.
- Publications and presentations: Include research papers, articles, or any presentations at conferences or workshops.
- Professional development: Include workshops, certifications, or training relevant to your field.
- Extracurricular activities: Highlight involvement in student organizations, volunteer work, or any leadership roles.
- Research experience (if applicable): Include any research projects, your role, the project goals, and outcomes or publications.
- Teaching experience (if applicable): If you’ve taught or assisted in courses, list the courses, your role, and any special achievements.
Helpful Resource: ResumeGenuis is a great online resource with examples and templates that can help you build your academic resume with ease.
How do I write a letter of intent?
A letter of intent is your chance to share how receiving this funding will support your academic and personal goals. It’s an opportunity to highlight your passion, commitment, and aspirations. Here are key points to include in your letter:
- Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of the letter.
- Why you’re applying: Clearly state why you’re applying for the scholarship or funding and how it aligns with your goals.
- Academic and career goals: Discuss your academic achievements and what you hope to achieve in your studies. Share how this funding will help you progress toward those goals.
- Personal impact: Describe any personal challenges or experiences that have shaped your journey and how the funding will positively impact your future.
- Conclusion: Wrap up by reiterating your gratitude for the opportunity to apply and your enthusiasm about the potential to achieve your goals with this support.
Helpful resource: We encourage you to check out this helpful website for additional guidance on crafting your letter of intent.
What does the mentorship commitment Involve for the Joyce Family Foundation Bursary?
As a recipient of the Joyce Family Foundation Bursary, you’ll be asked to accept the scholarship terms, which include participating in mentorship opportunities through CNIB’s mentorship pool. Mentorship is a valuable part of the program, offering you the chance to collaborate, grow, and set meaningful goals.
- What is mentorship? Mentorship is about building a supportive relationship where both the mentor and mentee grow together. You’ll receive guidance from individuals who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision, with experience in post-secondary education or the workforce. They offer real-life insights to help you navigate your journey.
- How does mentorship benefit you? As a mentee, you’ll have the opportunity to develop essential skills such as networking, presentation, communication, and navigating post-secondary education. Mentorship also provides a space for setting goals, building confidence, and gaining advice from those who have walked a similar path.
- Can I mentor others? Yes! All recipients have the opportunity to mentor future scholarship applicants. This allows you to give back to the community while further developing your leadership skills.
If mentorship isn’t something you’re ready for or interested in, you can opt out on the Scholarship Application Form.
Creating Accessible Documents: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ensuring your documents are accessible allows everyone, including people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision, to access information. To create accessible documents using assistive technology.
- Use headings for structure. Apply built-in heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) in Word or Google Docs. This helps screen readers navigate sections efficiently. Avoid complex formatting.
- Use clear and simple text. Avoid jargon.
- Use high-contrast colours for text and background. Good examples are black/dark blue text on a white/yellow background, or white/yellow text on a black/dark blue background.
- Use descriptive links. Instead of "Click here," write "Learn more about accessible documents." This tells screen reader users where the link leads.
- Write and add Alt-Text to pictures, shapes, charts, graphics, or other objects. When someone using a screen reader comes across a picture in a document, they will hear the alt text describing the picture. Helpful resource: Everything you need to know to write effective alt text.
- Use accessible tables. Add column headers so screen readers can identify data. Avoid merged cells and complex table layouts.
- Always check the accessibility of your document before sharing. Use Microsoft Word’s Accessibility Checker (under "Review" tab). In Google Docs, install the Grackle Docs add-on for accessibility checking.
- Save your document as an Accessible Format. For PDFs: Use “Save as PDF” with the “Best for electronic distribution and accessibility” option. Ensure PDFs have selectable text, not just images.
Need more guidance? Check out CNIB’s Clear Print Guidelines.
CNIB Scholarships – Information Session
Have questions about applying for a CNIB scholarship or need some help understanding how to complete the application? Join us on Tuesday, April 22 for a virtual information session where we’ll outline available scholarships, eligibility criteria, review the application process and deadlines, and answer any burning questions that you may have.
- Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
- Time: 4:00 pm PDT | 5:00 pm MDT | 5:00 pm CST | 6:00 pm CDT | 7:00 pm EDT | 8:00 pm ADT | 8:30 pm NDT.
- Location: Virtually on Zoom. Zoom information will be shared after registering.
- Registration required. To register, please complete the Zoom Registration Form.
When will I hear back about my scholarship application?
No matter the outcome, every applicant will receive a follow-up from a CNIB representative by the end of the summer. We appreciate the time and effort you put into your application, and we want to stay connected with you throughout the process. Please make sure your contact information is up to date so we can reach you easily!
Application Checklist
- Review the application criteria and ensure you meet the eligibility requirements
- Mark the deadline in your calendar
- Gather your academic transcripts
- Thoughtfully answer all application questions in the application process. Take your time to showcase your strengths.
- Request your reference letter early – give your referee plenty of time to prepare
- Gather feedback – ask a trusted friend or family member to review your application and essay
- Save a copy of your application for reference
- Do a final review. Double-check that all sections are complete and meet the guidelines.
- Ensure your documents are accessible.
- Submit application on time – late applications will not be accepted
Need more help? We’re here for you!
Still have questions? Email us at scholarships@cnib.ca and we’ll be happy to assist you!